Stella is a physiotherapist, and she has been involved in Rotary for 27 years.
“Rotary is great a way to give back internationally and locally. Professionally, it was a big help. It gave me opportunities to travel. It’s given me leadership skills. I learned how to run meetings, how to present at meetings. I presented at conferences. I got this confidence from Rotary.
“I got involved in polio eradication when I met (polio survivor and American Rotarian) Ann Lee Hussey at a district conference. I’ve gone on polio vaccination missions in Nigeria, India, and Madagascar. Rotary works on the ground there with The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.
“I got to sit in on strategy sessions in emergency operation centres. I love systems. I’m so impressed with the health care workers, how they get to people who need vaccinations. Rotarians are working hard to get this done (eradicate polio). I’m so proud of the fact that Rotary is still committed to this, and that we’re on track to eradicate polio by 2023. I’m so proud of our organization, and being part of something so massive.
“At our Rotary Club (Halifax Harbour), the people are number one. I do believe we are a family. I’m really impressed with the fact we are an ethical club, and very welcoming, and very friendly.
“Our Friday morning meetings start your day off with a smile. You always feel better after you’ve been to a meeting. I think early morning clubs are vibrant. We’re vibrant.
“Rotary allows clubs and people to represent their own culture – I’ve been fortunate enough to travel as district governor. I got to see different cultures and structures in different clubs and how they meet the needs of their communities differently. Rotary allows you that flexibility. Clubs can be different in different places. I think that’s really important.”
